lostboy wrote:
What's a "good" score for a phd program? Is around 700 good or should it be above?
Hello
lostboyIn general, 700 or around 700 would be a good score, however all that depends greatly on numerous metrics, where you want to apply with whom you compete etc.
Most importantly before I let you into insights, remember that GMAT score is just one of deciding factors, especially when PhD is in game, or more accurately just threshold they expect you to pass or be in that range.
Since I have super powers
and know where you want to apply, I will reveal some secrets for you :
For INSEAD there's no cut-off point for either exams and there is a wide range for accepted scores.
Selection of applicants is based on the applicant's general profile and overall academic background, and faculty preferences; and test scores are only one component of the many factors considered, as I already told you.
Perfect scores do not guarantee admission and lower than average scores will not invalidate your candidacy.This will be true for any school.
However, scores of 700 and upwards for GMAT are not uncommon.
In another words this is something they would like to see.
As a general tip, you should aim to score 85% or higher in your quantitative and verbal sections to be highly competitive.
This means depending on of area of study, which you didn't mention by the way, you are qualified if you score in 85% in quant or verbal and highly competitive if you score in both in same zone.
Some areas focus more on the quantitative rather than verbal, again that depends on your chosen specialization.
For Haas if you are interested in Accounting, Business and Public Policy, Marketing Science, Real Estate, or Finance you should first have a strong background in quantitative content.
They expect you to be familiar with multivariate calculus, matrix algebra, differential equations; PDE, statistics, probability, linear algebra and real analysis.
Since Finance is my forte I know this will be true as requested prerequisite for any PhD in Finance, again I don't know what is your intended area of study, but in order to conduct serious research, which PhD degree actually is all about, more or less you will encounter similar request for advanced math and stat everywhere.
Haas does not require a minimum score on your GMAT exam, however think in 85-90% + zone, at least on quant section.
Finally, Alberta Business school recommends your GMAT score to be in the 80th percentile.
Again depending on your intended area of study, competition could be even more fierce, so for instance for Finance PhD at Alberta, scores above the 90th percentile are valued as competitive.
After this guidance and insights, you should not be lost anymore
Good Luck !